What are the eligibility requirements for entering the pageant?

If you are single, never married, never given birth to or have adopted a child, a United States citizen, a resident of the Connecticut, and you are at least 14-28 by January 1, 2019, you are eligible to apply.

Are there any height or weight requirements to compete?

No. There are no required height, weight or specific measurements that qualify you to compete. The judges are looking for body proportion, good physical health and personality.

How many contestants will be in the pageant?

The number of contestants varies, as contestants apply and choose to participate. The final number of participants will be determined when the registration process is completed on pageant weekend.

How do you decide who receives a letter?

We use marketing consultants who assemble mailing lists from various sources such as school-related activities, modeling agencies, community activities, camps, magazine subscriptions, general mailing lists, etc.

What happens after I submit my photo & information?

After your photo and entry is received, selected entries are reviewed by our committee, who will contact the applicants for a brief telephone interview. After your interview, the committee will consider your application. They will determine if they feel you would make a good candidate for the title. If you are accepted to participate in the pageant, the registration materials will be sent to you.

What are the costs associated with the pageant?

Each contestant is responsible for paying a registration and a sponsorship fee, which covers the production of pageant, meals during the pageant and all pageant related activities. We will provide you with information to help secure sponsorship to cover the cost.

Where can I secure sponsors?

Sponsorship can help defray the costs associated with entry fee, wardrobe, etc. Sponsors can include, but are not limited to your family, friends, local businesses, sororities, organizations and clubs, schools, etc. You may secure sponsors from anywhere in or out of the Connecticut. Take this opportunity to perfect your communications skills. Many local businesses will be supportive when you share your goals with them. If selected, you will receive paperwork to help secure sponsorship. It is possible to not incur any out of pocket expenses.

Do I have to spend a lot of money on my wardrobe?

Not at all. It very important to select outfits that you feel confident in, that best suits your body type and personality. Your personal choice of a gown spans from simple to more elaborate. It is never the gown that the judges are scoring; it’s the young woman wearing it. We provide our sponsors information to you as a resource. Ultimately it is the contestant personal choice.

What is the judging criteria for the pageant?

Interview-You will appear before the panel of judges in a private setting for a three minute interview. The judges will use this opportunity to consider your personality, and overall presence. They will discuss items directly from your interview form that you previously completed. This is your chance to impress each judge with your opinions, ability to communicate, and overall sense of self. They may ask questions regarding your family, education, hobbies, occupation, community involvement, goals, like and dislikes. Interviews are conversational. During the on stage interview competition, the judges are looking for the same qualities and also how you handle speaking in front of an audience. Swimsuit- The Judges will be basing their decisions on the contestant’s overall physical fitness, beauty, poise and does she demonstrate a healthy lifestyle. Physical measurements are not considered in the judging. Choose a swimsuit that is appropriate for onstage presentation. No thongs or pantyhose allowed. Swimsuits should be two-piece any color for MISS CONNECTICUT USA Contestants. For MISS CONNECTICUT TEEN USA contestants the attire is sports wear (sports bra and sports shorts) any color. Style should always be in good taste. At least a 3” heel shoe is recommended for MISS CONNECTICUT USA Contestants and white or black Keds athletic shoes are recommended for MISS CONNECTICUT TEEN USA Contestants. Evening Gown- The Judges focus on stage presence, confidence, elegance, poise, overall appearance, and sense of fashion and style. Here they are scoring the contestant not the dress. So choose a style and color that looks great on you and will radiate on stage. At least a 3” heel is recommended for the evening gown competition.

Can anyone assist me with hair and make-up on pageant weekend?

Only Official MISS CONNECTICUT USA & MISS CONNECTICUT TEEN USA Staff is allowed in the dressing room or backstage during pageant weekend. There will be chaperones in the dressing rooms to assist you with some of your wardrobe changes. There will be an Official team of professional make-up artists and hair stylists present at the pageant. You will have an opportunity to meet them and discuss pricing and specific styles before pageant weekend if you choose to use their services.

Are tattoos or body piercings allowed?

Tattoos and piercing are a statement of your individuality, and it is up to you whether you choose to show them. If you feel that it may be offensive, you may want to cover it.

What happens if I should win and how much time is involved?

There are certain responsibilities that accompany the privilege of becoming a MISS CONNECTICUT USA titleholder. We understand the importance of school and family and will make every effort to schedule appearances around that. Appearances includes speaking engagements, modeling, charity events, galas, trade shows, etc. The biggest commitment is your responsibility to represent Connecticut in the national MISS USA or MISS TEEN USA pageant. This can vary from a one to three week trip.

What are the prizes and scholarships should I win?

The largest prize is the prestigious title of MISS Connecticut USA and MISS Connecticut TEEN USA plus the wonderful opportunity to represent Connecticut at the national MISS USA or MISS TEEN USA pageant! Our prize package grows from year to year according to sponsors that are obtained. To view this year’s prizes go to the prize page.